Emergency workers conduct security exercise at port

Emergency response teams conducted a full-scale, multi-jurisdictional exercise Wednesday at the Port of Rochester to prepare for and prevent cross-border terrorist and criminal activities, officials said.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, the Monroe County Office of Emergency Management, the Monroe County Public Safety Communications and 911 center, the Rochester Police Department, the Rochester Fire Department, the Greece Police Department, Rural/Metro Corp. and the University of Rochester were among those participating, officials said.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the New York State Police and the state Department of Environmental Conservation also were involved.

The exercise was sponsored by the Monroe County Office of Emergency Management.

“This exercise stands as a testament to the strong relationships that Monroe County has forged with local, state, federal and international partners to identify and mitigate threats to Monroe County, New York and our nation,” County Executive Maggie Brooks said.

“Today’s drill also serves as a strong reminder of the dedication and professionalism that our law enforcement and public safety professionals put forth every single day to protect our community and to ensure the security of our borders.”

The exercise coordinates a response to a possible waterborne threat in Lake Ontario, officials said. It is not based on real or suspected intelligence gathered from U.S. or Canadian officials.

“As the mayor of one of the largest cities on the coast of Lake Ontario, I am grateful to the many public safety agencies at the local, state, federal and international levels that remain vigilant and work together and keep our citizens safe,” Rochester Mayor Thomas Richards said.